Serving Those Who Served: The Role of a VA Chaplain

Becoming a Chaplain within the Veterans Health Administration (VA) is more than just a job; it is a calling. As a Chaplain at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, you will provide vital spiritual, moral, and emotional support to the brave men and women who have defended our country. This role is essential for ensuring that our Veterans receive holistic, "whole health" care that addresses their spirit as well as their body.

Job Responsibilities

As a Chaplain, your day-to-day duties will be diverse and impactful:

Spiritual Ministry: Conducting religious services and providing individual spiritual care tailored to the patient’s faith tradition.
Crisis Intervention: Supporting Veterans, families, and staff during times of trauma, terminal illness, or sudden loss.
Advocacy: Ensuring all patients have the ability to practice their religion freely without coercion.
Team Collaboration: Working with doctors, nurses, and social workers to integrate spiritual care into treatment plans.
Education: Providing counsel on advance care planning and medical ethics.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Requirement	Description
Education	Master of Divinity or equivalent theological graduate degree.
Endorsement	Full, active ecclesiastical endorsement from your national faith group.
Certification	Board Certification by the BCCI or equivalent.
Proficiency	Excellent written and verbal English skills.
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Salary Overview

This position is graded at the GS-9 to GS-11 level. The annual salary range is $61,722 to $97,087, depending on experience and grade level determination.

Benefits

Working for the federal government offers a robust benefits package, including:

Health Insurance: Access to comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement: Participation in the federal retirement system and the Thrift Savings Plan.
Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Professional Growth: Continuous opportunities for education and specialized training.

Application Tips

Be Specific: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your clinical pastoral experience, not just your ministry history.
Documentation: Keep your ecclesiastical endorsement current. This is a non-negotiable condition of employment.
Follow Directions: Missing transcripts or missing dates on your resume can lead to disqualification.

Q: Are there on-call requirements?

A: Yes, the position involves rotating on-call duties, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

If you have a heart for service and the professional dedication to support our nation’s Veterans, we invite you to join our mission in Shreveport. Your presence provides the comfort, ethics, and spiritual grounding that our Veterans need and deserve.

Why This Chaplain Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by providing compassionate, inclusive spiritual support as a VA Chaplain in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Chaplain Job Overview

The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center is seeking dedicated Chaplain professionals to serve our Veterans, their families, and our healthcare staff. In this vital role, you will provide comprehensive pastoral care, conduct religious services, and offer emotional support in a pluralistic, mission-driven environment. We are looking for empathetic leaders who are committed to honoring our Veterans through spiritual guidance and compassionate counseling.

Requirements for Chaplain

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
Master of Divinity or equivalent theological degree from an accredited institution.
Active, full ecclesiastical endorsement from your national faith group or denomination.
Board Certification by the BCCI or an equivalent certifying body.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.

Preferred Qualifications for Chaplain

Demonstrated experience in healthcare, institutional, or community ministry settings.
Proven history of providing spiritual assessments and crisis intervention.
Strong collaboration skills for working within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Experience in conducting grief counseling and end-of-life care education.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and advancement opportunities.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance packages.
✓Generous paid time off, including federal holidays and annual leave.
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Opportunities for professional development and staff wellness programs.
✓Supportive, collaborative environment in a mission-driven organization.

💡 How to Apply Chaplain Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chaplain Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a long-form resume or CV detailing your religious and professional history.
Gather required documentation, including your ecclesiastical endorsement, transcripts, and board certification.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application link.
Submit your application package before the closing date of November 13, 2026.
Monitor your email for confirmation and status updates.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly mentions your duties, dates of employment, and average hours per week.
Verify that your ecclesiastical endorsement is dated within the last 12 months.
Tailor your resume to reflect the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) mentioned in the announcement.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and officially formatted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a VA Chaplain?

VA Chaplains serve as primary spiritual advisors for Veterans, caregivers, and staff. They lead religious services, provide emotional support, perform crisis intervention, and ensure the free exercise of religion for all patients.

Is Board Certification mandatory?

Yes, board certification (or reciprocity) is required for the full performance level of the position. Non-board-certified candidates may be hired on a temporary basis for up to two years to complete this requirement.

What is the work environment like?

You will work in a clinical, pluralistic environment at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, collaborating with healthcare professionals to address the moral, ethical, and spiritual needs of a diverse patient population.

Q: Can I apply without Board Certification?

You may be eligible for a temporary appointment while you work toward certification, provided you meet other education and endorsement requirements.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise of caring for those who have borne the battle. At the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, we take pride in fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse traditions and provides compassionate support. Shreveport, often referred to as a hub in the 'Ark-La-Tex' region, offers a vibrant community with a rich history, southern charm, and an exceptional cost of living, making it an ideal place to grow your career.